English idiom

let the cat out of the bag

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

Why this phrase?

Said to come from market traders deceptively swapping a pig for a cat in a sack.

Example

“He let the cat out of the bag about their engagement.”

Recorded usage

These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.

“Don't let the cat out of the bag” — 3 recorded occurrences

Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

pull someone's leg

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

spill the beans

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

behind the scenes

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

come to light

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

give the game away

to accidentally reveal a secret or plan

butter someone up

to flatter someone in order to gain a favour

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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